Strides recorded in Vietnam-Estonia relations: officials

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and Estonia have seen
bilateral cooperation growing in recent years, as evidenced by close
coordination and mutual support at international organisations such as the UN,
UNESCO, the UN Human Rights Council, and the Asia-Europe Meeting.

The assessment was made by Deputy Foreign
Minister Bui Thanh Son and Vaino Reinart, Undersecretary for Economic and
Development Affairs at Estonia’s Foreign Ministry, during a political
consultation in Hanoi on December 5.

They lauded efforts by the countries’ ministries
and sectors to perfect legal foundation through signing agreements on
investment encouragement and protection, double-taxation avoidance, and tax
evasion prevention.

That has created prerequisites for closer
cooperation in economics, trade, investment, culture, education, tourism, and
agriculture, which both sides are strong at and have demand in.

Vaino Reinart said the Estonian Government advocates
Vietnam’s stronger relations with the European Union (EU). It will accelerate
the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and believes that once being
implemented, the deal will help bolster multifaceted cooperation between the
two countries.

The Vietnamese and Estonian officials agreed to
increase delegation exchanges at all levels while maintaining and promoting the
effectiveness of consultation mechanisms between their foreign ministries to
exchange information in timely fashion, enhance mutual understanding and trust,
and coordinate in issues of common interest.

At the event, they also shared viewpoints on
some international and regional affairs, including the countries’ stance on the
settlement of hot spots in the world.

Reinart voiced support for Vietnam’s viewpoint
on resolving disputes, including those in the East Sea, by peaceful means and
on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law
of the Sea. He also agreed on the need for security, safety and freedom of
navigation and overflight in the East Sea to be ensured.

During their stay in Hanoi, the Estonian
delegation also visited some local businesses.-VNA